Thilachium thomasii

Family: Capparaceae

What it is like

A shrub or climber. It can grow 5 m tall. It has large tuberous roots. It loses its leaves during the year. The leaves are simple and 3-9 cm long by 2-7 cm wide. They vary in shaped. There are 1-10 flowers in a loose group. The fruit are narrowly oval and 3-6 cm long. They have 6-8 ribs.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in woodland and along water courses. It grows between sea level and 1,000 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Kenya, Somalia

How it is used for food

The roots are used to make porridge.

It is a famine food.

Edible parts

Root, tubers, fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Dika, Kitungulu, Medudu, Mutunguru, Ohia, Qadu, Quqube

Synonyms

Thilachium mildbraedii Gilg.; Thilachium papillososcabrium Chiov.;